Jamie Varner vs. Donald Cerrone II possible for late-summer WEC event

http://mmajunkie.comAfter a less-than-popular and anticlimactic ending to their first meeting in January, WEC lightweight champion Jamie Varner (16-2) and contender Donald Cerrone (9-1) could rematch at a WEC event in late summer.

Sources close to each fighter have told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that both Varner and Cerrone have been approached about a late-summer rematch, though an exact date has not been determined.

That timetable could depend on Varner, who suffered a handful of injuries in their first bout at WEC 38 on Jan. 25.

That fight, which headlined WEC 38, ended in the fifth round when Cerrone caught Varner with a glancing but illegal knee to the head one minute and 50 seconds into the round. Varner was unable to continue, and the fight went to the judges’ scorecards.

Although initially booed because he was unable to continue, Varner ultimately learned he suffered a broken foot and hand, as well as what was initially thought to be a potentially career-ending eye injury, in the fight. However, now expected to heal completely, Varner will likely return later this summer, possibly in July or August, for the possible rematch with Cerrone.

A source close to Cerrone, who suffered his first career loss at WEC 38, said he will likely be next in line for the title shot now that Rich Crunkilton (16-2) has pulled out of a March 1 bout with Bart Palaszewski (30-11). While once considered a possible top contender’s bout, the WEC 39 fight now features the lesser known Ricardo Lamas (5-0), an undefeated and promising prospect – but one that will likely need some additional seasoning before earning a title shot. Palaszewski is also unlikely to earn a title shot with a win over the WEC newcomer and will likely need to string together an additional win or two before he enters the title picture.

That will likely open the door for Varner vs. Cerrone II.

However, as of today, the WEC has announced no events past WEC 40, which takes place April 5 in Chicago.

For the latest fight cards from the WEC and other organizations, check out the MMA Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.

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